Dubai evolved from a pearl-diving port into a global crossroads in a single lifetime. Today, it’s a glittering city of superlatives: tallest skyscraper, vast malls, and palm-shaped islands, all surrounded by the amber sweep of the Arabian Desert. Beneath the skyline, you’ll find wind-tower alleys, spice-scented souks, and dhow boats gliding along Dubai Creek.

Expect world-class dining—from award-winning tasting menus to beloved shawarma joints—and an easy-to-navigate metro. The best time to visit is November to April when evenings are breezy; summer brings intense heat, so plan midday indoor breaks. Dress modestly in cultural sites, and during Ramadan, be mindful of public eating in daylight hours.

This 7-day Dubai itinerary hits the highlights and the hidden corners: Old Dubai, Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa, JBR Beach, Palm Jumeirah, a red-dunes desert safari, and a guided day trip to Abu Dhabi. You’ll balance big-ticket attractions with local coffee, heritage districts, and sea breezes along the Marina.

Dubai

Dubai dazzles with contrast. One moment you’re bartering in Deira’s Gold Souk; the next, you’re gazing from the Burj Khalifa over a city stitched together by creeks, beaches, and desert. It’s a place to wander, taste, and look up—often.

• Top sights: Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall & Fountain, Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, Dubai Creek abras, JBR & Dubai Marina, Museum of the Future, Dubai Frame, Palm Jumeirah.
• Signature experiences: desert safaris on red dunes, dhow cruises, waterfront sunsets, and Emirati cuisine that tells the story of the Gulf.

Getting there & around: Fly into DXB (or DWC). Search fares on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Typical nonstop times: London–Dubai ~7 hours; New York–Dubai ~12–13 hours. Taxis are plentiful; the Metro is fast and air‑conditioned (grab a Nol card). Rides from DXB T1/3 to Downtown cost roughly AED 45–70 depending on traffic.

Where to stay (choose by vibe and location):

• Downtown Dubai for first-timers near Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, and the Fountain. Excellent value and design at Rove Downtown Dubai.
• Dubai Marina/JBR for beach days, yacht views, and nightlife. Browse hotels on Hotels.com (Dubai) or apartments on VRBO (Dubai).
• Palm Jumeirah for resort pampering and waterparks—iconic stays at Atlantis, The Palm.
• Bucket-list experience: the sail-shaped icon Burj Al Arab Jumeirah.

Day 1 — Arrival, Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa & Fountain Night

Afternoon: Land, check in, and stretch your legs with an easy spin through Dubai Mall—an attraction in itself with an aquarium, waterfall wall, and terrific food court options. For a sweet caffeine fix, try The Espresso Lab kiosk in Dubai Mall (not far from the Fashion Avenue area), known for meticulous single-origin pours.

Evening: Time your ascent for golden hour with Burj Khalifa At The Top ticket with Optional Premium Access.

Watch the city turn to constellations, then head back down for the Dubai Fountain shows (evenings every 30 minutes). Dinner nearby:

• Al Hallab (Dubai Mall waterfront) for Lebanese grills, hot mezze, and views over the fountains.
• Social House for a broad, crowd-pleasing menu and an alfresco terrace perfect for the show.

Day 2 — Old Dubai, Al Fahidi, Creek Abras & Souks

Morning: Begin in Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, a maze of wind-tower homes. Breakfast at Arabian Tea House (local breads, balaleet saffron noodles, and a lush courtyard). Pop into the Coffee Museum to trace Arabic coffee traditions, then stroll to the Textile Souk.

Afternoon: Cross the Creek on a wooden abra (AED 1) to Deira. Wander the Spice Souk (cardamom, saffron, hibiscus) and glittering Gold Souk. For a guided, delicious deep-dive into history and tastings, join the Dubai Aladdin Tour: Souks, Creek, Old Dubai and Tastings.

Lunch picks:

• Al Ustad Special Kebab (since 1978) for juicy kebabs and nostalgic décor.
• Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant for Emirati machboos rice, regag bread, and date desserts.

Evening: Explore Al Shindagha Museum (Perfume House) to learn how scent shaped Gulf culture. Dine creekside at Bait Al Wakeel (historic timber dhow house) or Al Fanar (Emirati classics), then grab pistachio ice cream at FIRIN in Deira before turning in.

Day 3 — JBR Beach, Bluewaters & Dubai Marina

Morning: Hit JBR Beach early for a swim and a boardwalk stroll. Breakfast at Common Grounds (JBR) for Aussie-style coffee, grain bowls, and baked treats. Rent loungers or try a quick parasail if the sea is calm.

Afternoon: Walk the pedestrian bridge to Bluewaters Island for sea views and lunch at 3 Fils (short taxi to Jumeirah Fishing Harbour; modern Asian plates, charcoal-grilled fish, and famed sushi). Alternatively, stay close with Mitts & Trays on Bluewaters for Mediterranean comfort food.

Evening: Stroll the Dubai Marina promenade at sunset to watch yachts threading through mirrored towers. Dinner ideas:

• The MAINE Oyster Bar & Grill (JBR) for seafood towers, lobster rolls, and a brasserie feel.
• Asia Asia (Pier 7) for pan-Asian plates and terrace views over the Marina glimmer.

Day 4 — Slow Morning, Museum Time & Red-Dunes Desert Safari

Morning: Keep it light: linger over specialty coffee at The Sum of Us near Trade Centre. If you’re keen on future-gazing, book the Museum of the Future and go at opening for fewer lines (its immersive floors often sell out days ahead).

Afternoon & Evening (Tour): Ride the sands with the Dubai Premium Red Dunes Safari, Camels & 5* BBQ at Al Khayma Camp.

Expect 4x4 dune bashing on Lehbab’s ruby sands, optional sandboarding, a sunset camel ride, and a Bedouin-style camp with a hearty grill dinner and cultural performances. Hydrate well, and bring a light scarf for the evening breeze.

Day 5 — Abu Dhabi Day Trip: Grand Mosque, Qasr Al Watan & Etihad Towers

Full Day (Tour): Cross into the UAE capital with the Dubai To Abu Dhabi: Grand Mosque, Royal Palace & Etihad Tower.

Marvel at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque’s marble inlay and crystal chandeliers, explore Qasr Al Watan (the Presidential Palace), and take in skyline views from Etihad Towers. Dress modestly (shoulders/legs covered; women bring a headscarf). Back in Dubai, keep dinner simple: shawarma at Ravi Restaurant (Satwa) or a fragrant biryani at Pak Liyari (Meena Bazaar).

Day 6 — Palm Jumeirah, Aquaventure & Sky-High Sunset

Morning: Make a splash at Aquaventure Waterpark (Atlantis) with record-setting slides and a lazy river run—go early for shorter queues. Non-riders can enjoy the resort’s beachfront promenades and aquarium.

Afternoon: Refuel at Wavehouse (burgers, pizza, bowling) or Seafire for a proper steak. Then head to Palm Tower for The View at The Palm and a sweeping look at the frond-laced island and Marina skyline.

Evening: Sunset sips and dinner on Palm West Beach:

• Koko Bay for Bali-inspired plates, sandside tables, and golden-hour playlists.
• SUSHISAMBA (Palm Tower) for Nikkei-style flavors and dramatic night views.

If you prefer a resort evening, dine oceanside at Atlantis, The Palm and wander the lit palm-lined avenues.

Day 7 — Art, Cafés, Dubai Frame & Last-Minute Shopping

Morning: Explore Alserkal Avenue, the city’s contemporary art hub in Al Quoz. Grab coffee at Nightjar Coffee Roasters (try the cold brew on tap) and browse galleries and concept stores.

Afternoon: Head to Dubai Frame in Zabeel Park to see Old and New Dubai in a single panorama. Lunch and a final souvenir run at Mall of the Emirates—dim sum at Din Tai Fung or Levantine plates at Al Nafoorah.

Evening: Farewell dinner in style:

• Orfali Bros Bistro (Wasl 51): playful, award-winning modern Middle Eastern small plates from three culinary brothers.
• 3 Fils (if you missed it earlier): flame-kissed tuna, wagyu, and caramelized miso desserts by the harbor.

Depart in the afternoon with airport transfer buffers in mind (arrive at DXB about 3 hours before long-haul flights). If you’re staying Downtown, Rove Downtown Dubai makes that last morning coffee and Burj-view goodbye easy.

Optional swaps and seasonal notes:

• Boat day: Swap Day 3 evening for a shared yacht cruise along the Marina and Palm (breakfast or BBQ options typically available).
• Global Village (Oct–Apr): Outdoor pavilions, crafts, and street eats representing 90+ countries—go at twilight.
• Summer (May–Sep): Front-load outdoor time before 10 a.m., plan long indoor siestas (malls, museums), and book evening desert activities for cooler temps.

Book these 4 standout experiences in advance (they sell out, especially on weekends):

• Burj Khalifa At The Top ticket with Optional Premium Access
• Dubai Aladdin Tour: Souks, Creek, Old Dubai and Tastings
• Dubai Premium Red Dunes Safari, Camels & 5* BBQ at Al Khayma Camp
• Dubai To Abu Dhabi: Grand Mosque, Royal Palace & Etihad Tower

Good to know: Weekends are Saturday–Sunday. Alcohol is served in licensed venues (often in hotels). Tipping 5–10% is appreciated. Pack a scarf/light layer for heavily air‑conditioned interiors year‑round.

In one week you’ll have tasted Dubai’s past in its souks and wind-tower houses, its present from the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Marina, and its timeless desert under a melting sunset. You’ll fly home with sand in your shoes, spices on your mind, and a skyline silhouette you won’t forget.